You are here:

Peripheral Vascular Disease: Are You at Risk?

Rush-Copley to Offer Free Screenings

(Aurora, Ill) Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) refers to blockages in blood vessels that are away from the heart. It is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases and leads to narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet.

“If you have PVD, the results can be dangerous and unfortunately, often go undetected,” said Mamata Alwarshetty, M.D., an interventional cardiologist at Rush-Copley. “People who have PVD can have blockages in blood vessels elsewhere in the body and have a two to six times greater risk of dying from heart disease and stroke.”

Dr. Alwarshetty encourages people who have any of the following risk factors or symptoms to be screened for PVD:

Aching, cramping or pain in your legs when you walk that goes away when you rest

Diabetes or personal/family history of heart disease

Pain in toes or feet at night

Ulcers or sores on feet or legs that are slow in healing

High blood pressure or high cholesterol

Smoking

Inactive lifestyle

Free ScreeningsJoin Rush-Copley for a free ankle-brachial index (ABI) screening to assess your risk of Peripheral Vascular Disease. An ABI is a painless exam used to compare the blood pressure in your feet and arms and can detect evidence of PVD. The test is non-invasive and takes only about 15 minutes.

Registration is required. Call 866-4COPLEY (1-866-426-7539) to schedule your free screening on one of the following dates and times: